"That's not the point -- thank you, but they can't -- see - " Eyes flicked away, and back. " -- 'how rotten' - I'll get." He was already tired, talking about this matter, but not daunted, at least not any longer. It was a weighty thought, but was being aired. "It's bad enough that everyone else will."

At least their collective, seeing what they had been seeing, taking what they had been receiving, could expect and take it for its meaning.